Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Salivary Glands for Sjogren's Syndrome: Diagnostic and Monitoring Insights
Published on: October 13, 2023
Sonographic diagnostic criteria for screening Sjögren's syndrome
Mayumi Shimizu1, Kazutoshi Okamura, Kazunori Yoshiura
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan. shimizu@rad.dent.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Objective:
The objective of this study is to establish readily applied sonographic diagnostic criteria for Sjögren's syndrome.
Study Design:
Sonographic images of 79 cases of previously suspected Sjögren's syndrome (including 43 actual cases) were analyzed retrospectively for the following characteristic features: (1) multiple hypoechoic areas, (2) multiple hyperechoic lines or spots, (3) multiple hypoechoic areas surrounded with hyperechoic lines or spots, and (4) obscuration of the gland configuration. Logistic regression analysis was used to extract valuable sonographic findings. Sonographic images of 80 prospective patients (of whom 48 proved to have Sjögren's syndrome) were scored prospectively using selected features to verify the usefulness of the established criteria.
Results:
Three sonographic findings in parotid and submandibular glands were selected by logistic regression analysis and retrospective and prospective patients compared. Experienced observers could differentiate positive cases of Sjögren's syndrome from negative controls to a highly significant degree. Findings correlated very well with sialographic grading.
Conclusion:
Sonography can be substituted for sialography when applying the selected criteria in screening for Sjögren's syndrome.
